Average Brit goes 3 weeks without eating a single green vegetable
We know we're meant to be getting in our five a day, but turns out some of us aren't even getting in five a month with new research revealing the average Brit can go as long as three weeks without eating a single green vegetable.
As well as shunning the veggies many we're proving to be fruit-shy too, with many going up to one month without the sweet stuff.
Despite admitting to knowing the importance of maintaining good gut health, over half (57%) admit the only beans and pulses they eat are baked beans.
It's little wonder therefore, that half of Brits are suffering from digestive issues.
Around one in five suffer from regular heartburn (17%), while constipation (15%), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) (15%) and diarrhoea (14%) are also regular health gripes for nutrient deficient Brits.
Six in ten (60%) say they start the week with the best intentions, buying fruits, veggies and pulses, only to give up on their healthy meal plan and order midweek takeaways.
As many as two thirds (68%) of Brits admit to not knowing they should be consuming as much as 25g-30g of fibre a day, according to the survey, of 2,000 Brits, conducted by nutrition and food tracking app, MyFitnessPal.
Almost one in four (24%) confess that they don’t eat nearly enough fibre, with over a third (36%) admitting they don’t consume any fermented foods either. That's despite six in ten (60%) knowing they are good for their gut health.
Despite our failed attempts at eating healthily, we do seem to understand that the biggest factors to poor health are ultra-processed food (71%), alcohol (70%), high sugar intake (67%), stress (67%) and lack of exercise (56%). Smoking (55%) and a lack of sleep (49%) are also important influencers of a healthy lifestyle.
Amanda Hamilton, a nutritionist from MyFitnessPal says the findings reveal just how little the nation knows about their gut health.
"Eating a diet filled with varied plants (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts and seeds) is crucial for good gut health," she explains. "And good gut health is vital for our bodies to function well; boosting energy levels and improving focus, encouraging clear skin, strong nails – you name it, the gut contributes to it. Most importantly though, a strong gut is ready to fight illnesses.”
Foods to improve gut health
Thankfully, there are some foods you can include in your diet that will help maintain good gut health.
Kefir
Most people know that yoghurt contains beneficial live cultures, but according to Hamilton, the next step is to try kefir.
"Kefir is like drinkable yoghurt with a tangier taste and a broader range of probiotics, including multiple strains of bacteria and beneficial yeast," she explains.
Natto
Kimchi is a fermented probiotic vegetable dish that is now widely available in trendy restaurants, but Hamilton suggests experimenting with natto, a fermented soybean product that is not only rich in probiotics but also contains vitamin K, which is beneficial for bone health.
Seaweed
According to Hamilton seaweed is a gut-healthy gem. "It contains prebiotics, specifically polysaccharides like alginate, agar, and carrageenan, dietary fibres that help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and diversity of the gut microbiome," she explains. "Seaweed also contains various bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties."
Hamilton says incorporating a small amount of seaweed into your diet a few times a week rather than daily is recommended.
"A serving might include a small handful of dried seaweed snacks, a sheet or two of nori, or a tablespoon of dried seaweed flakes added to soups or salads," she continues. "This amount can provide beneficial fibres and prebiotics without excessive intake of iodine and other minerals."
Chia seeds
Chia seeds are exceptionally high in dietary fibre, particularly soluble fibre, forming a gel-like gut substance. "This fibre helps to promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation by adding bulk to the stool," Hamilton explains.
Jerusalem artichokes
These nobbly, starchy, edible roots are rich in prebiotics and contain vitamins and minerals such as potassium, iron, and vitamin C. "However, don’t overdo it - they are nicknamed’ fartichoke’ for good reason!" Hamilton warns.
Other ways to improve gut health
Garlic, leeks, and onions are a rich sources of inulin, a prebiotic fibre that stimulates the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
"Budget-friendly bananas and chickpeas are excellent sources of resistant starch, which supports gut health," Hamilton adds.
Reducing your sugar intake is also important, according to Hamilton.
“Don’t forget that cutting out excessive sweet treats can also help with gut health, as sugar can harm gut health by feeding harmful bacteria and causing inflammation," she explains.
“Lastly, quality sleep is crucial for maintaining a healthy gut. Lack of sleep can increase inflammation and disrupt the gut-brain connection, leading to digestive issues.”
Read more about gut health:
Ultra-processed foods linked to 30 dangerous health outcomes (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)
Is a sweet or savoury breakfast better for gut health? (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)
Why eating oily fish is good for you, and how to cook it (Yahoo Life UK, 7-min read)
